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F T Black

Publications and source records attributed to F T Black.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Purulent meningitis at the Marselisborg Hospital 1980-1990].

From 1980-1990 245 immunocompetent patients were admitted to The Department of Infectious Diseases, Marselisborg Hospital with purulent meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia. The clinical diagnosis was established by clinical examination and by neutrophil pleocytosis. The aetiological diagnosis was established by demonstration of bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid by microscopy or culture and by blood culture. Clinical signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or demonstration of meningococcal antibodies (MAT) in serum were considered diagnostic for meningococcal disease. The group comprised 120 males and 125 females aged 0-90 years. One hundred and eleven (45%) had meningococcal disease, 69 (28%) had pneumococcal meningitis, and 20 (8%) had H. influenzae-meningitis. Other aetiologies occurred in one to six cases. No aetiology could be established in 25 (10%) patients. Patients with meningococcal and pneumococcal disease were treated with monotherapy with high doses of penicillin, and H. influenzae-meningitis was treated with ampicillin. In patients with meningitis of unknown aetiology penicillin was used, except in children below the age of five where ampicillin was used. In patients with meningococcal disease the mortality was 5.4%, and 17% developed sequelae. In pneumococcal meningitis the corresponding figures were 13% and 17%, and in H. influenzae-meningitis 0% and 5% respectively. Among 20 patients with other aetiologies one patient (5%) died, and eight (40%) developed sequelae, whereas one patient (4%) died, and one (4%) developed sequelae in the group with meningitis of unknown aetiology. No ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae-strains were demonstrated. We suggest that monotherapy with betalactam-antibiotics is still a valuable treatment for meningitis in Denmark.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

HIV infection among seafarers in Denmark.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the minimal magnitude of the HIV problem among seafarers in Denmark. The material is based on case records from the 6 medical departments in Denmark that undertake treatment of HIV patients. Retrospectively, all case records of HIV infection among seafarers--and of their sexual contacts--have been identified. 33 seafarers with HIV infection or AIDS were identified; 17 had no other known risk factor than heterosexual contacts in high-endemic areas. These results show that HIV infections have entered into the heterosexual group of seafarers. HIV-infected seafarers are a risk group for carrying HIV infection into the heterosexual population in non-endemic areas. In 5 known cases, this has actually taken place in Denmark. The majority of the heterosexually infected seafarers were probably infected early in the AIDS era. We do not know if Danish seafarers are still acquiring HIV abroad.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Microscopic examination of sperm as the diagnostic clue in a case of Schistosoma haematobium infection.

Early diagnosis and treatment of Schistosoma haematobium infections is imperative to prevent chronic manifestations of the disease. Microscopical examination of urine and faeces, and rectal biopsy are widely used standard methods for the rapid diagnosis of schistosomiasis. We report a case in whom numerous Schistosoma haematobium eggs were demonstrated in sperm, even though repeated examination of urine and rectal biopsies had been futile. It is concluded that the case presented demonstrates the importance of using sperm as an alternative sample material when schistosoma eggs are not found in conventional sample materials from male patients suspected of being infected with Schistosoma haematobium.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Normal immunological status in four patients with ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome (EEC-syndrome).

Lobster-claw deformity of the extremities, clefting of the primary and secondary palate, ectodermal dysplasia, and atresia of the lacrimal system are common features of the ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome (EEC-syndrome). The patients often suffer from repeated infections of eyes, upper respiratory tract and urogenital system. To exclude an immunodeficiency as cause of the infectious predisposition in patients with EEC-syndrome, we screened the immunosystem in four related patients with EEC-syndrome. All patients were found to present normal immunoglobulin production, complement activity, lymphocyte-, and granulocyte function. We conclude that recurrent infections observed in the EEC-syndrome are not caused by an immunological defect, but seem to result solely from anatomical anomalies.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1993

DNA amplification on cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis among HIV-positive patients with signs or symptoms of neurological disease.

Reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii can lead to a life-threatening intracerebral infection in immunocompromised HIV-positive patients. Due to the current diagnostic limitations for establishing an exact diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis, a nested PCR system was developed for direct detection of T. gondii in cerebrospinal fluid. A storage temperature for samples of -20 degrees C and sample preparation using Proteinase K appeared to be critical for obtaining a high sensitivity of PCR. A total of 56 samples from 38 HIV-positive patients and 12 HIV-negative patients with symptoms or signs of neurological disease were evaluated by PCR. 5 of the 38 HIV-positive patients were diagnosed as having cerebral toxoplasmosis and PCR was positive in samples from all 5 patients. In the remaining 33, PCR was positive in one case and negative in 32. An exact etiological diagnosis other than cerebral toxoplasmosis was established in 5 patients. PCR performed on cerebrospinal fluid samples seems to be a fast, sensitive, specific and valuable tool for establishing the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis among HIV-positive patients at the time of presentation of symptoms or signs of neurological disease.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

[Pregnant women's knowledge about HIV and AIDS].

This investigation is based upon information from 820 pregnant women who replied to a questionnaire about AIDS during the period 17.4.1989-14.7.1989. The questions included sources of information, knowledge about routes of infection and risk groups and the extent of spread of infection and disease in the population. 95% agreed to participate. Knowledge had been obtained primarily via the electronic media, while the health services had limited significance. The employment of sources of information depended on age and occupation. Apart from knowledge about the risk involved in breast feeding, the women were, in general, well informed about routes of infection. Knowledge about risk groups and the current extent of spread of infection was, on the the other hand, deficient. Defective knowledge was concentrated in groups which may be characterized by age (less than 24 years) and occupation (trained and untrained workers and the group of "other occupations"). Information obtained from health staff was connected with better knowledge about the extent of spread of infection. The majority of women desired routine information about AIDS in connection with antenatal control. Prophylactic measures should be based, among other things, on knowledge about development in the knowledge in the population and its employment of sources of information, so that specific information may be directed to certain groups of the population by using the most frequently employed and most effective routes of information. The knowledge of population groups, the attitudes and behaviour should be followed continuously.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

[Pneumocystitis carinii pneumonia in adult patients with AIDS].

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia continues to be the commonest opportunistic infection seen in AIDS patients. Early diagnosis and treatment have caused the one-year survival in AIDS-patients with PCP to increase steadily. However, PCP is still the cause of death in 25% of the AIDS-patients. Secondary prophylaxis with pentamidine-isethionate inhalations has reduced the risk of PCP relapse considerably. The risk of PCP is markedly increased at CD4-cell counts below 200 mio/l. Therefore, inhalations of pentamidine twice monthly, as a primary prophylaxis against PCP, can be recommended in HIV-positive patients with CD4-cell counts below this level.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

[Knowledge of AIDS and of transmission risks of HIV infection in a group of homosexual people. A questionnaire study].

A questionnaire investigation among 430 homosexual persons all of whom were members of an organization for homosexuals was completed by 144 (33%). These replies showed that they knew about HIV infection, risk behaviour and "safe sex". Their knowledge about the signs of HIV infection and AIDS was, however, more limited. The replies were compared with an age-matched group of the male population. The results of the investigation provide reasons to suppose that the information campaigns have been of value but information to prevent spread of infection is still necessary. In addition, further information is necessary about the subjective signs of HIV-infection so that persons in whom these signs develop may be offered the best possible treatment as early as possible.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

[A group of homosexuals change their sex habits after information about AIDS. A questionnaire survey].

A questionnaire investigation to which 144 homosexual persons replied anonomously revealed alterations in the sexual habits after information about AIDS. Significant reduction in the annual number of partners and significantly fewer employ the more dangerous sexual practices which now occur particularly in more permanent partnerships are among the alterations started. An unchanged number still employ active anal and orogenital coitus. Employment of condoms has increased significantly, particularly in anal coitus and "casual" partners (from 3% to 82%). The majority accept the use of condoms and state that they employ more "safe sex" than prior to information about AIDS. 12% stated that they had sex with both sexes and the possibility of spread of infection from homosexual to heterosexual groups is present. The intensive informative work from the homosexuals own organisation and from public health authorities appear to have had some effect but further information and influencing are necessary if the spread of HIV infection is to be stopped.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Roxithromycin in the treatment of pneumonia.

An open multicentre study of the efficacy and side effects of roxithromycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, in the treatment of community acquired pneumonia was undertaken. The diagnosis was verified by transtracheal aspiration. Fifty-three patients were studied. In the 49 patients evaluable the clinical efficacy rate was 92% (95% confidence limits 84-100%). Only by measurement of the fall in serum C-reactive protein was it possible to detect a difference in response between pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. The drug was well tolerated clinically and laboratory abnormalities included transient eosinophilia and elevated liver enzymes in two patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Effects of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) on short-term cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Although an optimal dose-regimen has still not been established, the antiviral drug 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine is known to improve the clinical condition of patients suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex. The drug effect has mainly been assessed in terms of survival time and/or immunological parameters. One of the most prominent immunological features associated with immunodeficiency virus infection is a persistant hypergammaglobulinaemia due to in vivo polyclonal B-lymphocyte activation. In vitro this is reflected by a hyporesponsiveness of peripheral blood B-lymphocytes to mitogen and antigen induced activation. The present paper deals with the in vitro impact of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine on the immunoglobulin secretion in short-term cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Twenty-four human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive (seropositive) and 24 antibody negative (seronegative) individuals were studied. In addition, T- and B-cell proliferation and the distribution of cell surface markers were determined in 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine-supplemented cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes from eight seronegative subjects. At concentrations similar to those reported in clinical trials, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine was found to suppress the mitogen and antigen induced proliferation of T-cells from seronegative subjects. In contrast, B-cell proliferation and the distribution of membrane markers appeared to be unaffected by the drug. Furthermore, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine did not alter the in vivo immunoglobulin secretion capacity in autologous or allogeneic cultures of lymphocytes from seropositive subjects. In human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals the number of unactivated, circulating B-cells is significantly reduced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Beta-2-microglobulin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with infections of the central nervous system.

Beta-2-microglobulin was determined in 147 patients admitted to hospital because of suspicion of CNS disease. Patients with meningism were chosen as control group. The concentration of beta-2-microglobulin in the spinal fluid of control patients was correlated with age. Reference values for 0-40 years were 0.34-1.58 mg/l. Above 40 years of age the values were 0.46-3.14 mg/l. CSF beta-2-microglobulin levels of patients with meningism, aseptic and bacterial meningitis overlap too much to be relevant in distinguishing between these entities. Five patients with herpes simplex encephalitis had markedly elevated levels ranging from 4.4 to 9.0 mg/l. Ten patients with herpes zoster-associated encephalitis had values from 1.1 to 6.1 mg/l. In the patient groups with CNS infections, the ratio of serum to spinal fluid beta-2-microglobulin was significantly more frequently less than 1 as compared with the meningism group, indicating intrathecal production of the protein. Further studies on the clinical relevance of CSF beta-2-microglobulin in the diagnosis of encephalitis seem warranted.

Adolescent↗